Preventative Care

Each cleaning and exam visit starts with oral hygiene instruction. This includes showing patients and their parents areas that may be missed when they are brushing at home. Dental treatment is most effective if our patients understand the importance of properly caring for their teeth at home.

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X-rays

We are proud to offer digital imaging for our patients instead of conventional x-rays.

We evaluate each patient individually for their x-ray needs in order to limit unnecessary

exposure.

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We also offer panoramic images of the entire mouth. These images help us assess growth

and development, detect extra or missing teeth, and diagnose any other abnormalities that

may otherwise be missed. This is also a very important tool when developing an orthodontic

plan for each patient.

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Sealants

Sealants are a protective coating placed in the grooves of permanent molars. These help to prevent bacteria and debris from collecting on the chewing surfaces of molars where the toothbrush cannot reach. Although sealants are not 100% effective in preventing cavities, they can greatly reduce the risk.

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Fluoride

Fluoride helps to prevent tooth decay by strengthening the enamel and promoting re-mineralization to needed areas. There are new guidelines regarding the use of fluoride. Fluorosis (a condition that weakens enamel) can occur if fluoride is overused. We assess the individual needs of each patient when making recommendations for fluoride use.

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Preventative orthodontics

We offer a variety of options to help minimize alignment problems, lessen future orthodontic treatment, and aid the orthodontist in the patient’s future orthodontic care. Some of these options include tooth guidance, habit and expansion appliances, and space maintainers.

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Nitrous Oxide

For children who might be fearful or nervous, we offer nitrous oxide. This “silly air” or

“laughing gas” helps relax patients and is very safe.  Providing a comfortable dental

experience is always our goal.

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'Drill free'

To minimize removing healthy tooth structure on smaller cavities, we use a drill-free

technique called air abrasion that is usually accomplished without anesthetic.

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Kid's cosmetic treatments

We always chose the most aesthetically pleasing material when restoring permanent or

baby teeth. There are many options available and we are happy to discuss the pros and cons

of each and make the final decision together.

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Behavior management and sedation

Occasionally there is a need to perform treatment on a child that is unable to cooperate

for restorations (fillings). We do not restrain children for dental work. For difficult cases

on young children, we offer an “open-ended” appointment. This means we schedule your

child’s appointment when there are no other kids in the office. By maintaining a calm and

peaceful atmosphere with limited distractions and with the use of nitrous we can usually

successfully complete dental treatment on young children. After all other options have

been exhausted we offer Intravenous (IV) Sedation administered by a specially trained

dental anesthesiologist in our office.

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Special needs and 'Happy Visits'!

Our compassionate staff welcomes patients with special needs. One tool that we have seen

work very well is the option of “happy visits”. Happy visits are a quick visit to the office to say

high to the staff, walk around, pick out a prize, and become more comfortable with the office

in general. These visits can be as often as desired to allow the patient to become at ease with

our office before any dental treatment is performed. These visits are complimentary.

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May I stay with my child during the visit?

Our open floor plan allows a unique opportunity for parents to be present during all phases

of dental treatment. We also have a specially designed area for parents to sit where they can

still see and hear what is happening with without being seen by their child if this is preferred.